Course Review - The Legend at Arrowhead

Built in 1986 and designed by Arnold Palmer, the Legend at Arrowhead is simply Palmeresque: The fairways are generous, inviting a big rip from the tee box; the temptations for the dramatic shot are numerous and tantalizing; and the quick, deceptive, undulating greens are swathed in bunkers and mounds. It is a risk to reward course. As Arnold has often said, “Be long, but be accurate.” No wonder the Legend at Arrowhead is a favorite of his, and of everyone who plays it. It is a challenge to low handicappers and motivates high handicappers. The course rolls gently through brush-covered lava hills. Palmer’s design concept, though conventional, does not lack contemporary touches. Grass runs from tee to green, with the fairways marked by undulations and berms that lend definition and direction to each hole. Twisting, stretching bunkers literally snake down the fairways, menacing the generous landing area. However, where a hole doglegs to some degree, the enormous fairway bunkers help define the target area. Overall, six lakes come into play, adding both challenge and aesthetics. Putting at the Legend creates the most obvious obstacle to a low score, as every golfer must negotiate the multi-tiered, fast-breaking greens.

The 529 yard, number 6 is the toughest hole on the course. The horseshoe-shaped par 5 wraps around the lake on the right side, with the green tucked cozily into grass mounding. Danger comes into play on every shot on this hole and there is usually a gusting wind that will play all sorts of tricks on your ball. The water and a stand of palm trees guard the shortest route to the green, but a carefully placed second shot will set up a less brutal approach shot over the lake onto the semi-island green.

The signature hole is the 5th hole. From sculpted, scenic elevated step-like tees, you may stop and admire the view from the tee box before you try and launch your tee shot on this 426 yard par 4. The hole plays straight on, with water on the right.

Other Information - The Legend at Arrowhead

Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting & chipping green. Range balls are extra.

19th Hole: Newly built restaurant has seating outside on the patio which offers a relaxing and spectacular setting overlooking the picturesque lake. There is a snack bar and drink cart.

Clubhouse: The newly built full service clubhouse is accommodating and the service is always exceptional.

The Players:

• Designer: Arnold Palmer
• General Manager: List McCauley
• Superintendent: John Lewis

Grass type: Bermuda with rye grass overseed during the winter months

Golf Lessons: There is a full staff of PGA professionals on hand to help you improve your game.

Recommended handicap: The course is challenging, but if the proper tee box is selected, golfers of all levels will enjoy the course, even very high handicap players. If you have under a 10 handicap, you will especially enjoy the challenge from the tips.

Tournaments: The Legend at Arrowhead plays host to the Gateway Tour, FBR Qualifying and The Pepsi Tour (twice per year).

1 -10 Course Rating by Meridian’s Golf Specialists: 7 ½

Comments by Meridian Guests:

• “I loved the water holes.” “It’s a huge challenge. I spent so much time in the sand I thought I was at the beach.”
• “Arnold got me on every hole. Once I got past the water and the sand then I would still have to putt on those deceptive greens.” “I enjoyed the challenge. It was a fun course with a mix of different holes.”

The Drive: Only 25 minutes to the Legend at Arrowhead in Glendale.